The French international has the unenviable task of attempting to keep the diminutive Argentine quiet in Rome, as the Red Devils bid to become the first team to ever win back-to-back Champions League crowns.
But the 28-year-old, who celebrated winning the Premier League title last weekend following United's goalless draw with Arsenal, feels he is back to his best in time to help Sir Alex Ferguson's side complete a quadruple of trophies in 2008/09.
"Every year I think I have improved. I have been honoured to be named in the world's best XI twice, the Premier League XI twice, and things like that make you believe," he said.
"You can be the best left-back in the world but if you play badly in the final, people will say you're the worst.
"Of course, I am playing against Messi, so it won't be easy."
And the former Monaco man is quick to dismiss suggestions that Messi will give him a torrid time similar to the one Spurs livewire winger Aaron Lennon dished out during this year's Carling Cup final at Wembley.
"I had one bad game in the Carling Cup final and people said I wasn't the same player as last year," he said.
"I've played for Manchester United for three years and had one bad game, so I was actually happy with the criticism because it made me believe I'm the best left-back in the world.
"When you've had one bad game and people are criticising you, it makes you proud. I said after that, 'okay, we will see'.
"After that I think I showed people who criticised me my real form again, and you can see that now. I think the criticism helps you become stronger."
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